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Lava, an igneous rock of volcanic origin, is one of the lightest rocks used in both home and commercial landscapes. Because it is so porous, lightweight lava rock is easy to transport and position in place. Turn your plain backyard into a thing of beauty and visual interest with the addition of large lava rocks.

Description

Large lava boulders are cooled, solidified molten rock spewed forth from ancient volcanoes. Red, brown, gray and black lava is used in landscape or hardscape designs. A single volcano can produce several different colors of lava rock depending on the temperature at which the rock melted and how quickly it cooled. As inanimate design elements, durable and decorative large lava boulders can be positioned anywhere in the landscape regardless of the elements. They never need to be mowed, fertilized or watered, and their beauty lasts forever.

Uses for Large Lava Rock

Large lava rocks can be used for retaining wall construction, to build raised flower beds and to enhance a pond, pool, waterfall or other water features. The rough texture and bold color of lava rock, when used as a planting backdrop, provides striking contrast for flowering shrubs and ornamental tree foliage. Lava rocks can be placed at focal points in the landscape to add vertical interest and are effective when used to build an entryway, bridge support or garden gate. If large lava rocks are not available or affordable, a grouping of smaller lava rocks can be creatively arranged to provide the desired bulk or height needed for your landscape project. Porous lava rock is easily carved with a chisel and provides excellent drainage. Savvy gardeners carve out shallow planting areas in lava rock to plant sedums, lichen and moss to add an aged, established appearance to the rock face.

Position Rock Prior to Construction

When building a new home on an empty building site, it is best to move large lava boulders into position prior to construction. This ensures that large trucks or rock moving equipment can maneuver about the yard without impediment, and their activity will not damage ongoing construction. Large lava rocks are evaluated and the "face," or the most attractive side of the rock, is positioned as desired. The base of the lava rock is buried in the soil to create a natural "outcropping" appearance.

Natural Appearance

Professional landscape contractors advise that if local, large natural boulders are already present in the landscape, the addition of large lava rocks is best avoided. The contrasting boulders will not appear natural. To be aesthetically pleasing, the lava rocks should blend into the landscape so that the design elements already present in the landscape complement each other in a natural manner and create a cohesive design.

About the Author

A passionate writer for more than 30 years, Marlene Affeld writes of her love of all things natural. Affeld's passion for the environment inspires her to write informative articles to assist others in living a green lifestyle. She writes for a prominent website as a nature travel writer and contributes articles to other online outlets covering wildlife, travel destinations and the beauty of nature.